Hallucinogens
March 11, 2022 William E. Schreiber
Hallucinogens alter perception of reality. Classic hallucinogens like LSD, psilocybin, and mescaline share similar chemical structures and act on brain serotonin neural circuits. LSD derives from lysergic acid in the fungus Claviceps purpurea. Dissociative drugs phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine produce effects by interfering with glutamate activity. PCP is metabolized into inactive compounds and excreted in urine. The chapter covers their chemical structure, physiologic effects, metabolism, therapeutic uses, and potential for misuse or abuse, with emphasis on test result interpretation.